the kits "should" come in numeric order but then if we get a delay on one kit or kits we often jump to others. however there are some kits that are pointless us sending you until you have had other bits if you know what i mean

On the full size agricultural engines the hub caps were steel, the brass is a bit unusual but tends to be done on miniatures as it's easier to machine. Tim nickel plated his brass hub caps and they do look better for it, the steel should nickel plate ok & they won't need polishing. I don't think the cost is a factor more to do with realism & creating an accurate miniature. If you don't fancy getting them plated then black paint was usual.

If you go to Gateros_plating online you will see several options for plating kits, you can then decide what kit is best for you.They are not too expensive, I went for the top end kit, but didn't need it, lots of bits that I got with the kit I already had at home !!! I could have saved myself about £40

I bought the kit with all of that included, I should have looked, and checked before i ordered as I already had a load of old aquaruim kit sitting in the shed !! I could have saved myself some readies !!!I am looking forward to using the kit, but am concerned at how and where to get rid of the depleted chemicals.

On the parts and quantities supplied. You should not need to think of that for 3 to 4 years.The solution can be rejuvenated and of course you can get more anodes. As long as it is kept clean. If you have a aquarium filter that will help remove debris and keep the solution good.

In the dim and distant memory files. I think calcium carbonate will "kill" the nasties.

Well it just goes to show that you canít please all the people all the time. As a matter of policy, we review the parts made for a kit with each new batch. This enables us to make improvements learnt from customerís experiences, adopt new manufacturing techniques and, one hopes, improve the overall package. If this also reduces production costs then thatís a bonus from our perspective but itís not the motivation.

On this batch we did decide to make the front and rear hub caps in steel rather than brass. We did this for a number of reasons. Yes, part of the decision was cost but with a saving of around £50 per engine over both the front and rear wheel kits this is still a very long way from the £2500 discount offered. The other reason is that previously a number of customers had complained saying that the full size Agricultural engines did not have brass caps, and had either nickel plated their caps or had painted them. So we were providing an expensive material which, for some at least, was not appropriate and was therefore wasted.

We have a few other changes being considered for the remaining kits and to put peoples mind at rest and to show that we are not intending to offer an inferior Ďdiscountedí product Iíve listed them below. You will see that the vast majority add value to each kit.

We are prepared to machine another batch of front and rear hub caps in brass for any customer who wants them. We will do this at cost. If you can return your undamaged front caps we will replace them with brass ones and automatically provide you with brass rears for £57.96 including shipping and vat.

Many thanks for your comprehensive reply to my question with regard to the new batch changes.Your reply has reassured me and and I look forward as always to the next kit, Its also good to note that you are taking advantage of the earlier batch improvements (ie aluminium pistons etc) and possibly including them in the build.

Personally I prefer the brass wheel hubs and am happy to pay the extra to have them. :-)

As you say , you cant keep all the people happy all of the time, but you guys certainly do your best, I have said many times, to many people that I consider STW machine kits to be first class, with first class customer service.